We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our small, expert engineering team developing high-performance, bespoke code for our in-house hardware platforms used in advanced optical tracking and drone interception.

This role offers the rare opportunity to work across the full development lifecycle, from system architecture to hands-on testing with physical products. If you thrive where software meets hardware - and you’re open to the occasional overseas trip - this could be the perfect match for you.

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

Our benefits:

• Happy to consider a salary from £50K

• Performance related bonus

• 25 days holiday plus public holidays (+ long-service bonus days)

• Free breakfast and a free freshly cooked lunch served daily by Chef Mark and his team

• Private health care insurance (Aviva)

• Death in service cover to protect those close to you

• EV car scheme

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Pension scheme (up to 4% matched contribution)

• A high-energy and dynamic work environment, based in the beautiful Northumberland countryside

• A positive company culture - we enable change, encourage challenge and demonstrate commitment

What you’ll be doing:

• Getting hands-on with our codebase and quickly build familiarity with our platforms

• Designing and developing real-time software solutions for use on physical devices

• Specifying system architecture, including hardware, OS and libraries

• Taking ownership across the software lifecycle: from coding and reviews to release and version control

• Collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical and systems engineers

• Staying agile and adaptable in an R&D environment where direction may change rapidly

What we’re looking for:

• A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or similar

• Strong C++ skills

• Familiarity with: Linux hardware drivers, network configuration, CMake, GitHub, VS Code IDE and a nice to have, Python

• Experience developing software deployed on real-time embedded platforms covering initial architecture design, specifying hardware, OS and libraries, code writing and review, source control and release management.

• A solid understanding of computer vision techniques and machine learning principles

• A creative problem solver who knows when to ask questions and how to manage their time effectively

• Reliable, adaptable, and self-aware - someone who fits naturally into a collaborative engineering team

What you’ll get:

• Work on seriously cool projects. From tracking rogue drones to developing world-first interception tech, our projects are anything but ordinary. You’ll work on cutting-edge systems that are making waves across global defence and security sectors.
• Autonomy to make an impact. At OpenWorks, you won’t be a small cog in a big machine. We value initiative and trust our engineers to take ownership, solve problems creatively and drive their own work forward with real responsibility.
• Build real-world solutions. See the impact of your work, fast. Our engineers don’t just write code, they see it come to life through integrated systems, field testing and high-performance products used around the world.
• Collaborative team. Join a team where software meets hardware and engineers roll up their sleeves together. You’ll be supported, challenged and encouraged to stretch your skills every step of the way.

As a small, fast growing company (with approx 50 people), we offer the opportunity for a professional to have autonomy and responsibility. You’ll directly see the impact of your efforts.

More about us:

Vision

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Mission

Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence

Values

Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest

Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done

Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility

We are one team: Look out for each other and the team

Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on

Have fun: We’re doing amazing things with passionate people